Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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A little change

sfagrad
sfagrad
I went to the pdoc yesterday and shared with him my concerns about my meds. We decided to lower my lithium from 900 to 600mg and keep the Saphris the same. The thought is that by loweriung the lithium it will help with my urnary issues( bad enough to where I am having to take meds to control it) and also the heat sensitivty. My level will be checked next month and we will go from there.
rappciteeinblue
rappciteeinblue
Lithium can be a good mood stabilizer but boy do you have to watch out for the health issues. Good luck to you.

RIB
beckyp
beckyp
Hope the change will work out for you.
dobiedots
dobiedots
I hope this works for you. Be aware of any mood swings with the lower dosage though. I just went through that and we have had to up my Lithium back to 900mg. a day.
sfagrad
sfagrad
I hope it works to. It has been a great mood stablizer for me. I am just concerned about the health issues that can happen and do not want it to get worst. I will be on the look out for any changes.
dobiedots
dobiedots
I know what you mean. I've had a few health issues from it too.
Doc is keeping an eye on things, as well as myself. Is there a substitute for Lithium? Years ago a different pdoc put me on Lamictal with the idea of weaning me off of Lithium. It didn't work. Now I'm wondering why I'm even on Lamictal.
Someone out there prob. knows of a substitute...hopefully.
sfagrad
sfagrad
My understanding is that there is only one lithium. I might be taken off completely off the lithium depending on my blood test results. I will still be on saphris, Wellbutrin and lexapro. Not sure of any good substitutes for lithium.
dobiedots
dobiedots
Well, Wellbutrin and Lexapro are both antidepressants. I don't what Saphris is used for. Is it a mood stabilizer?
sfagrad
sfagrad
Saphris is an atypical antipsychotic.
dobiedots
dobiedots
So what will control your mood swings?
sfagrad
sfagrad
My pdoc says the saphris will.
blessedgirl
blessedgirl
Very best wishes. I believe that the lowest Lithium dose that can help you effectively is best. I'm on 1200 and I know I'm doing damage to my body, but it, along with Lamictal, is what it takes to keep me from flying off the deep end.

The blood test they will surely order in about 3-6 months will tell if the lower dose is within a "therapeutic level", so it's not a blind science.

Hugs.
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